Attorney generals are charged with overseeing legal issues related to public safety, consumer protection and national security. They serve as an advocate before Congress while making sure federal laws are enforced across states.
They serve as statutory members of the Cabinet and seventh in presidential line of succession, receiving pay according to the General Schedule for federal employees.
United States Attorney General
Attorneys general are charged with upholding laws, protecting citizens against fraud, and shaping government policy. Additionally, they serve as legal advisors to legislators and executive branch officials while managing their department’s budget and overseeing federal penitentiaries.
The United States Attorney General serves at the pleasure of the President and must be nominated and confirmed by both chambers of Congress before taking up their appointment. They fall under Level I on the Executive Schedule with associated salaries that correspond.
The Attorney General holds broad duties and responsibilities, such as representing their state in litigation on both a local and national level, writing official Attorney General opinions and appearing before legislative committees. They must also communicate legal concerns to Congress as well as monitor compliance with federal laws across states across their territory; finally serving as liaisons between other federal agencies and departments.
New York State Attorney General
The New York State Attorney General serves as both head of the Department of Law and chief legal officer for their state. They advise and defend executive branch actions on its behalf while safeguarding people and organizations within New York’s borders as well as natural resources that fall under their care.
Letitia James, New York State’s 67th Attorney General and Public Advocate for 10 years prior to her election as Attorney General, boasts an enviable track record. As Public Advocate she spearheaded groundbreaking legislation banning salary history queries on employment applications while uncovering predatory landlords.
As attorney general, she has championed women’s health by leading the fight against anti-vaginal sex laws and polluters that threaten families from lead paint poisoning as well as our natural resources. Furthermore, she has stood up for vulnerable populations such as DACA recipients by fighting to stop citizenship questions on census forms.
Connecticut Attorney General
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has served as Connecticut’s chief legal officer since 2009 and his office provides advice and defense services to state government. By law, their term of office lasts four years with their term being fulfilled full time during that time devoted to performing his or her duties as state Attorney General. Out of 25 State Attorney Generals appointed since its founding in 1760 there have only ever been 13 Republicans serving their state’s legal needs.
By law, the Attorney General of Connecticut receives an annual salary of $110,000.
Pennsylvania Attorney General
Pennsylvania voters elect an Attorney General every four years during presidential election years, with the governor having power to appoint their successor if needed. According to Pennsylvania state constitution, two consecutive terms of office can only be served. Previous officeholders have conducted high-profile investigations such as prosecuting natural gas companies and challenging President Trump’s policies on abortion, climate change and other matters. Josh Shapiro, Democratic candidate for attorney general is running for his second consecutive term and boasting about finding over 3,000 untested rape kits and 58,000 unanswered child abuse hotlines during campaign events during his campaign period.
